THE SCOOP LIFESTYLE SERIES

THE SCOOP BUILDING & RENOVATION SERIES

THE SCOOP GUIDE SERIES

Click the icon on toolbar for more instructions

HOW TO VIEW OUR TITLES

TURN PAGES by clicking the arrows at the side of the page, or by using the toolbar.ZOOM IN by clicking anywhere on the page.READ by dragging the page around when zoomed in.ZOOM OUT by clicking anywhere on the page when zoomed in.VISIT web sites or send emails by clicking on hyperlinks.

74 Perth Guide
All events online | scoop.com.au
ROTTNEST
Autumn on Rottnest sees fewer crowds packed into the bays,
pubs and cafes. The outside temperature drops but the warm
Leeuwin Current that feeds the reef system allows the water to
remain enjoyable for surfing, snorkelling and swimming.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation rates are
per night, which makes it
easy to book a weekend or
overnight stay. There are
basic options, including
camping and cabins, but
also premium options such
as the Kingstown Heritage
View Cottages with
large verandahs and gas
barbecues. Check-in time
is 2pm (check-out 9am);
keys are picked up from
and returned to the
Visitor Centre.
GEAR HIRE
Rottnest Island Pedal
& Flipper have snorkel gear
and over 1300 bikes for hire
including a small fleet of
electric bikes. There’s also
cargo carries, tandems,
beach wheelchairs and
adult tricycles available
too. Active folk can rent
BAYS AND
BEACHES
Thomson Bay is Rottnest’s
main settlement, with
a bakery, supermarket, cafes
and pubs. It’s as popular
with visitors as it is with
the curious quokkas and
crumb-pilfering crows. Long
Reach and Geordie Bay
are less developed, but
boast accommodation with
great views. There’s bright
pink coral to snorkel over
at Parker Point, however
Little Parakeet Bay and
Little Armstrong Bay are
more sheltered, with equally
plentiful marine life. The
Basin has a calm lagoon,
best for novice snorkellers,
while Parakeet Bay is the
preferred location for
a cheeky skinny dip.
SHIPWRECKS
There are more than thirteen
shipwrecks off Rottnest.
Each wreckage has its
own plaque, and there are
onshore markers indicating
locations. The easiest sites
to reach by snorkellers are
the hopper barge Shark at
Henrietta Rocks, the Uribes
at Thomson Bay, and the
Kiryo Maru near Cathedral
Rocks (50m offshore and
a little more challenging
to reach). Only attempt all
three in calm conditions.
HERITAGE
ATTRACTIONS
Hotel Rottnest, built in 1859,
is a historic site and also
the island’s favourite pub.
For military history, take the
steep walk up Oliver Hill
and inspect the restored
WWII 9.2 -inch gun and
the maze of underground
tunnels. The Bickley
Battery Walk Trail, which
takes about 90 minutes,
encompasses the heritage
listed Kingstown Barracks
and 6-inch WWII guns.
Day Trips & Weekends
WHERE TO GO
Music scene
The island has some awesome concerts in the
pipeline with You Am I, Eskimo Joe, Jebediah
and Katy Steele gracing its shores for the third
instalment of Rotto Live Concert on April 13.
Popular WA band Tame Impala is playing at
the same venue, Hotel Rottnest, on April 27,
and there’s a ticket and ferry package available.
Wadjemup Walk Trail
Walk the first completed section of the long-awaited
trail, approximately 9.4km in distance. It takes in
West End Boardwalk, Little Parakeet Bay, Henrietta
Rocks and more, plus you’ll be able to explore the
remnants of Coastal Defence systems installed
during WWII.
Segway Tours WA
Segway Tours WA guide you on an exciting,
eco-friendly adventure of Rottnest with two
tours to choose from. The Segways are easy
to ride and training is included. Don’t forget
to pack your enclosed footwear (recommended
for Segway riding).
Rottnest Island
Country Club
In 2013, extensive renovations transformed the
public golf course into an A-grade attraction, now
known as the Rottnest Island Country Club. In
addition, the Club is a family-friendly destination,
with a fun adventure green for young putters and
a fully resurfaced bowling green.
WHAT TO DO
Segway trips are an exciting, eco-friendly
way to see the island.
The start of the Rottnest
golf course (photography
Rottnest Island Authority).
a paddle board, surfboard
or sport sets. The Island
Authority hire out camping
equipment, trundle beds,
baby necessities and linen.
GETTING THERE
The last ferry on a Friday
leaves from Hillarys at
6:45pm, or North Port
Fremantle at 6:15pm. The
earliest Saturday ferry
departs at 7:15am and the
final voyage from Rotto
to Perth on Sunday is
at 4:30pm. Day trippers
should check the Rottnest
website for midweek
ferry deals and discount
shoulder season rates.
Boat owners can apply
for a single visit mooring
either online or on arrival
at the Visitor Centre.
If boats make you
queasy there’s a variety
of air travel options as well.